What's working at Summerland Public School and what improvements can be implemented to benefit students?

The answer to those questions will be determined by responses to a district-wide survey, which is part of the school's strategic planning process, that is required per Rule 10 of the Nebraska Department of Education.

Superintendent Kyle Finke said strategic planning will assist in identifying goals, developing strategies to accomplish goals and determine how the district will take that step.

Earlier this year, administration and board of education members identified patrons within five subgroups, including teachers, parents, business leaders, agriculture community members and community residents.

Those individuals received a two-question survey, asking: "What am I proud of in our district?" and "What could the school district do in order to better serve our school community?"

Using those responses, district officials identified statements that will "drive future goals."

Statements on the survey have a five-point Likert scale, used to measure opinions. Each respondent will choose an option that best represents how they feel about the statement, with a one being "I strongly disagree," and a five being "I strongly agree."

The survey will be available only to district patrons and will be open until Dec. 1. Finke said he would like to hear from as many patrons as possible.

Once the survey period ends, responses for each statement will be averaged.

Board members and administrators will use the data to establish short- and long-term goals in the next phase of planning, according to Finke.

In the spring, an external evaluation team will visit the school, who will serve as consultants and meet with school personnel regarding goals.

Individuals with a smart phone may use the QR codes (on Page 1) to read the superintendent's letter and to take the survey.